Food for thought
Lettuce – More than Just another LeafWednesday, October 12, 2005
What’s for lunch? Well if you’re trying to slim down, or looking for a heart-healthy meal, a hearty salad might just be the answer. Underneath the frill and the fuss of all the various salad toppings – crisp vegetables, tart citrus fruits, grilled meats, crispy bacon, toasted nuts, and any variety of cheeses – is the humble lettuce leaf. What some people might dismiss as a “filler” food is really a nutritional powerhouse. At only 10 calories per cup, and packed with essential nutrients, why not consider lettuce in your next meal?
Lettuce 101
The history of lettuce dates back thousands of years, but it’s not until recently that individuals have begun consuming so much of it. Worldwide availability has made lettuce and other leafy greens a staple in numerous cultures across the globe. In fact, it’s estimated that adults now consume about 30 pounds of lettuce each year. Why is lettuce so popular? Well, it may be the fact that research has shown that eating salads before meals helps you eat 100 fewer calories by the end of the meal.
There are four basic categories of lettuce: iceberg, loose leaf, Butterhead and romaine. Iceberg lettuce has, for many years, been the lettuce of choice in most households, despite its relatively low nutritional content. Fans of iceberg love it for its crunch and cool, crisp flavor. Loose leaf lettuce actually covers a variety of lettuce leaves, and is defined as lettuce leaves that don’t form heads as they grow. Loose leaf lettuce is a great plant for home-growers as the leaves can be frequently picked without halting the growth of the rest of the plant. Butterhead lettuce, including Bibb and Boston lettuces, are mild green on the outer leaves, yellow-green on the inside, and have a soft, velvety, or “buttery” texture. Finally, romaine lettuce – the lettuce of Caesar salad lovers – is crisp and cool, with a stronger flavor than other lettuces, but not at all bitter.
What’s for lunch? Well if you’re trying to slim down, or looking for a heart-healthy meal, a hearty salad might just be the answer. Underneath the frill and the fuss of all the various salad toppings – crisp vegetables, tart citrus fruits, grilled meats, crispy bacon, toasted nuts, and any variety of cheeses – is the humble lettuce leaf. What some people might dismiss as a “filler” food is really a nutritional powerhouse. At only 10 calories per cup, and packed with essential nutrients, why not consider lettuce in your next meal?
Lettuce 101
The history of lettuce dates back thousands of years, but it’s not until recently that individuals have begun consuming so much of it. Worldwide availability has made lettuce and other leafy greens a staple in numerous cultures across the globe. In fact, it’s estimated that adults now consume about 30 pounds of lettuce each year. Why is lettuce so popular? Well, it may be the fact that research has shown that eating salads before meals helps you eat 100 fewer calories by the end of the meal.
There are four basic categories of lettuce: iceberg, loose leaf, Butterhead and romaine. Iceberg lettuce has, for many years, been the lettuce of choice in most households, despite its relatively low nutritional content. Fans of iceberg love it for its crunch and cool, crisp flavor. Loose leaf lettuce actually covers a variety of lettuce leaves, and is defined as lettuce leaves that don’t form heads as they grow. Loose leaf lettuce is a great plant for home-growers as the leaves can be frequently picked without halting the growth of the rest of the plant. Butterhead lettuce, including Bibb and Boston lettuces, are mild green on the outer leaves, yellow-green on the inside, and have a soft, velvety, or “buttery” texture. Finally, romaine lettuce – the lettuce of Caesar salad lovers – is crisp and cool, with a stronger flavor than other lettuces, but not at all bitter.
posted by Katherine | 3:04 PM
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